Home / Biochemistry / The role of plants in the treatment of diseases caused by micro-organisms based in the natural products

The role of plants in the treatment of diseases caused by micro-organisms based in the natural products

 

Table Of Contents


Chapter ONE

1.1 Introduction
1.2 Background of Study
1.3 Problem Statement
1.4 Objective of Study
1.5 Limitation of Study
1.6 Scope of Study
1.7 Significance of Study
1.8 Structure of the Research
1.9 Definition of Terms

Chapter TWO

2.1 Overview of Plants and Their Medicinal Properties
2.2 Historical Perspective on Plant-Based Medicine
2.3 Types of Plants Used in Traditional Medicine
2.4 Bioactive Compounds in Medicinal Plants
2.5 Efficacy and Safety of Plant-Derived Medicines
2.6 Modern Research on Plant-Based Therapies
2.7 Challenges and Opportunities in Plant-Based Medicine
2.8 Regulation and Standardization of Herbal Products
2.9 Case Studies on Plant-Based Treatments
2.10 Future Trends in Plant-Derived Pharmaceuticals

Chapter THREE

3.1 Research Design and Methodology
3.2 Selection of Research Participants
3.3 Data Collection Methods
3.4 Data Analysis Techniques
3.5 Ethical Considerations
3.6 Pilot Study
3.7 Sampling Techniques
3.8 Research Instruments

Chapter FOUR

4.1 Overview of Research Findings
4.2 Analysis of Data Collected
4.3 Comparison with Existing Literature
4.4 Interpretation of Results
4.5 Discussion on Key Findings
4.6 Implications of Findings
4.7 Recommendations for Further Research
4.8 Practical Applications of Study

Chapter FIVE

5.1 Summary of Findings
5.2 Conclusions Drawn from the Study
5.3 Contributions to the Field
5.4 Limitations of the Study
5.5 Suggestions for Future Research
5.6 Practical Implications
5.7 Recommendations for Stakeholders
5.8 Closing Remarks

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Plants have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of diseases caused by micro-organisms. The effectiveness of plant-based treatments lies in the diverse array of bioactive compounds present in different plant species. These compounds exhibit various biological activities that can help combat infections and diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. This research project aims to explore the role of plants in the treatment of diseases caused by micro-organisms, focusing on the natural products derived from plants that possess antimicrobial properties. By investigating the mechanisms of action of these plant-derived compounds, we aim to gain a better understanding of how they can be utilized in the development of new therapeutic agents. The study will involve screening a wide range of plant species to identify those with potent antimicrobial activity. Various extraction techniques will be employed to isolate bioactive compounds from these plants, which will then be tested against a panel of micro-organisms to evaluate their efficacy. The most promising compounds will undergo further characterization to elucidate their chemical structures and mechanisms of action. In addition to in vitro studies, in vivo experiments will be conducted to assess the therapeutic potential of the plant-derived compounds in animal models of microbial infections. Pharmacokinetic and toxicity studies will also be carried out to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these compounds for potential clinical use. Furthermore, the project will investigate the synergistic effects of combining plant-derived compounds with conventional antimicrobial agents to enhance their therapeutic efficacy and overcome issues such as drug resistance. By exploring the interactions between plant-based compounds and existing antibiotics, we can potentially develop novel treatment strategies that are more effective in combating microbial infections. Overall, this research project will contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of plants in the treatment of diseases caused by micro-organisms. By harnessing the bioactive compounds present in plants, we can discover new sources of antimicrobial agents that may offer alternative treatment options for infectious diseases. This study has the potential to pave the way for the development of novel plant-based therapies that could complement existing antimicrobial treatments and address the challenges posed by drug-resistant micro-organisms.

Thesis Overview

1.1 BACKGROUNG OF STUDY

1.1.1 Phyllantus

This is a genus of the family Euphorbiaceae. It was first identified in Central and Southern India in 18th century. It is called carry me seed, stone-breaker, wind breaker, gulf leaf flower or gala of wind, (Bharatiya 1992).

There are over 300 genera with over 5,000 species in the Euphorbiaceae world wide. The Phyllantus is one of the genus that falls under this enormous family. Phyllantus has about 750-800 species, found in tropical and subtropical regions. Green medicine is safe and more dependable than the costly synthetic drugs, many of which have adverse side effects (Joseph and Raj, 2010). The use of medicinal plants by man for the treatment of diseases has been in practice for a very long time. Screening of compounds obtained from plants for their pharmacological activity has resulted in the isolation of innumerable therapeutic agents.

      Over 50% of all modern chemical drugs are of natural plant product origin and is essential in drug development programs of the pharmaceutical industry (Burton et. al 1983).

1.1.2      Phyllantus amarus (P. amarus)

      P. amarus is an erect annual herb of not more than one and half feet tall and has small leaves and yellow flowers. It is a broad medicinal plant that has received world-wide recognition (Srividiya and Perival, 1995).

      In herbal medicine,       P. amarus has reportedly been used to treat jaundice, diabetes, otitis, diarrhea, swelling, skin ulcer, gastrointestinal disturbances and blocks DNA polymerase in the case of hepatitis B virus during reproduction, (Oluwafemi, and Debiri, 2008).

      In Nigeria, it is called “Oyomokeisoamankedem” in Efik, “Iyin Olobe” in Yoruba and “Ebebenizo” in Bini (Etta, 2008). In traditional medicine, it is used for its hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, antihypertensive, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti- microbial properties (Adeneye et al; 2006). The plant is also used in the treatment of stomach disorders, skin diseases and cold (Kokwaro, 1976; Iwu, 1993). It has anti-diarrhoea effect (Odetola and Akojenu, 2000). Its anti-viral activity against hepatitis B virus has been established (Thyagarajan et al; 1988, Wang et al; 1995), anti- carcinogenic (Joy and Kuttan, 1998), anti mutagenic activities (Joy and Kuttan, 1998), antiplasmodial (Soh et al. 2009).

      Plants contain numerous constituents, some tend to possess some level of toxicity. Cases of this toxicity in plants have been reported (Santox et al; 1995, Shaw et al; 1997, Kaplowitz, 1997).  P. amarus has been classified among plants with a low potential for toxicity, with an LD50 averaging 2000mg/kg 1day (Krithika and Verma, 2009).

1.1.3      Phyllantus niruri (P. niruri)

       P. niruri is commonly called stone breaker, also known as “Chanca piedra”. It belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae. P. niruri is similar to P. amarus. It is a wide spread tropical plant commonly found in coastal areas that grows 40-70cm tall (Chukwuma, 2012).

      In Nigeria, it is called enyikwonwa and ngwu in Ibo, Oyokeso amanke edem in Efik, geeron- tsemtsaayee in Hausa, ehin olobe and yin-olobe in Yoruba (Chukwuma, 2012).

      Although P. niruri is considered a problematic weed to formers it is a valuable medicinal plant. (Oudhia and Tripathi, 2002), and holds a reputed position in both Ayurvedic and Unani system of medicine. Recently, it has attracted the attention of researchers, because of its hepatoprotective (ability to prevent damage to the liver) properties. No effective specific therapy is available for viral Hepatitis but P. niruri has shown clinical efficiency in viral Heptatis B (Paranjape, 2001).

       P. niruri is an annual plant, its stem is angular with numerous distichous, ellipticoblong leaves. Flowers are yellow and very numerous; monoecious with 1-3 staminate flowers and solitary pistillate flower borne axillary. Fruits capsule, very small, globose, smooth, seeds 3-gonous, longitudinally ribbed on the back. Seed to seed cycle occurs in two or four weeks (Caius 1986), (Agharkar 1991). Its root, leaves, fruits, milky juice and whole plants are used as medicine. According to Ayurvedic system of medicine it is considered acrid, cooling, aleixipharmic and useful in thirst, bronchitis, leprosy, anemia, urinary disharge, anuria, boiliousness, asthma, for hiccups, and as a diuretic. According to Unani system of medicine, it is stomachic and good for sores and useful in Chromic dysentery. Fruits useful for tubercular ulcers, wounds, sores, scabies and ring worm (Agharkar 1991, Krishanamurty 1993). The fresh root is believed to be an excellent remedy for jaundice.

      In many parts of India, it is commonly used for the treatment of snake bite. The active compounds phyllanthin and hypophyllanthim, nirtetralin and phyltetralin have been isolated from leaves, (Rastogi and Mehrotra, 1991). The plant is used as a fish poison. In many parts of India especially in deserts, the roots mixed with Commiphora mukul are given to camels to cure indigestion. The decoction of leaves and stem are used for dying cotton black, (Singh et al; 1996).

       P. niruri is one of the medicinal plants used to treat malaria in India and Nigeria. P. niruri has been used traditionally to treat various illnesses including renal stones, gastrointestinal disturbance, cough, hepatitis, gonoorhea, fever and malaria. It has also been reported to posses hypoglycemic activity (Hukuri, et al; 1988), angiotension converting enzyme inhibition (Ueno, et al; 1988), lipid lowering activity (Khanna, et al; 2002), anti HIV activity (Qian cutron, et al; 1996) and anti cancer activity (Giridharan, et al; 2002).

1.2 Aim and objectives

      This study is aimed at showing which of the plants above is more effective in the treatment of diseases caused by micro-organisms based in the natural products present in them.

The specific objecti ves include;

a.   Determination of antibacterial effect of P. amarus and P. niruri.

b.   Determination of anti fungal effect of P. amarus and P. niruri.


Blazingprojects Mobile App

📚 Over 50,000 Research Thesis
📱 100% Offline: No internet needed
📝 Over 98 Departments
🔍 Thesis-to-Journal Publication
🎓 Undergraduate/Postgraduate Thesis
📥 Instant Whatsapp/Email Delivery

Blazingprojects App

Related Research

Biochemistry. 2 min read

Exploring the Role of Gut Microbiota in Human Health and Disease...

The project titled "Exploring the Role of Gut Microbiota in Human Health and Disease" aims to investigate the intricate relationship between gut micro...

BP
Blazingprojects
Read more →
Biochemistry. 3 min read

Investigating the role of microRNAs in regulating gene expression in cancer cells....

The project "Investigating the role of microRNAs in regulating gene expression in cancer cells" aims to delve into the intricate mechanisms by which m...

BP
Blazingprojects
Read more →
Biochemistry. 3 min read

Exploring the Role of Epigenetics in Cancer Development and Treatment...

The project titled "Exploring the Role of Epigenetics in Cancer Development and Treatment" focuses on investigating the intricate relationship between...

BP
Blazingprojects
Read more →
Biochemistry. 2 min read

Analysis of the role of microRNAs in cancer progression...

The project titled "Analysis of the role of microRNAs in cancer progression" aims to investigate the intricate role of microRNAs in the progression of...

BP
Blazingprojects
Read more →
Biochemistry. 2 min read

Investigating the role of microRNAs in regulating gene expression in cancer cells....

**Research Overview: Investigating the Role of microRNAs in Regulating Gene Expression in Cancer Cells** Cancer is a complex disease characterized by uncontrol...

BP
Blazingprojects
Read more →
Biochemistry. 4 min read

Exploring the role of microRNAs in regulating gene expression in cancer cells...

The project titled "Exploring the role of microRNAs in regulating gene expression in cancer cells" aims to investigate the intricate mechanisms by whi...

BP
Blazingprojects
Read more →
Biochemistry. 3 min read

Exploring the Role of MicroRNAs in Cancer Progression: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Po...

The project titled "Exploring the Role of MicroRNAs in Cancer Progression: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential" aims to investigate the intricate inv...

BP
Blazingprojects
Read more →
Biochemistry. 3 min read

Exploring the role of microRNAs in cancer progression and potential therapeutic appl...

The project titled "Exploring the role of microRNAs in cancer progression and potential therapeutic applications" aims to investigate the intricate in...

BP
Blazingprojects
Read more →
Biochemistry. 3 min read

Exploring the role of gut microbiota in metabolic diseases...

The project titled "Exploring the role of gut microbiota in metabolic diseases" aims to investigate the intricate relationship between gut microbiota ...

BP
Blazingprojects
Read more →
WhatsApp Click here to chat with us